I've seen a lot of different mats on different players, and just as many varying opinions on them.

I guess the question is do I really need some audiophile mat for low-end metal? I do listen to non-metal music from time to time though. I'm just wondering what could replace my standard rubber mat. And how does the direct drive motor affect this (I am using a Technics 1210M5G)?

I heartily recommend the Master's Hammer TT mat IXTAB has for sale here in the forum.. it looks fucking killer and comes with a sick patch to boot.

-the review of this $100 mat sounds like such a crock of shit I love all this audiophile techno-babble "tubby base" "increased depth of the sound stage" "disk/platter impedance" "100% matching of records mechanic-acoustic impedance further optimized by the introduction of bubbles"

I have the same one as probert (the white felt). Works fine, costs $10. I had the Witchfinder General one on for a while, but this one seems to work better with my turntable._________________Basar North America / Promethean Burn: http://www.thebasar.org/NorthAmerica